Bupropion vs Buspirone: Different Mechanisms, Different Uses, and Why the Names Confuse Everyone

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> Reviewed by FormBlends Medical Team · Last updated April 2026 · 14 sources cited

Key Takeaways

• Bupropion is a norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitor (NDRI) used primarily for depression and smoking cessation, while buspirone is a serotonin 5-HT1A partial agonist used exclusively for generalized anxiety disorder
• The two medications have zero pharmacological overlap despite similar names and are never interchangeable
• Bupropion carries seizure risk and is activating (can worsen anxiety), while buspirone has no seizure risk and no withdrawal syndrome
• Bupropion shows measurable weight loss (average 2.7 kg over 24 weeks), while buspirone is weight-neutral

Direct answer (40-60 words)

Bupropion and buspirone are chemically and pharmacologically unrelated medications that treat different conditions. Bupropion works on dopamine and norepinephrine pathways to treat depression and aid smoking cessation. Buspirone modulates serotonin 5-HT1A receptors to treat generalized anxiety disorder. The similar names cause frequent confusion, but they are never substitutes for each other.

Table of contents

1. The core difference: what each medication actually does
2. The mechanism comparison: dopamine/norepinephrine vs serotonin
3. Clinical indications: when each medication is prescribed
4. The efficacy data: how well each works for its intended use
5. Side effect profiles: what to expect from each
6. What most articles get wrong about the bupropion-buspirone comparison
7. The weight question: bupropion's unique profile
8. Contraindications and warnings: who should not take each medication
9. The combination question: can you take both together?
10. Switching between medications: the transition protocol
11. FormBlends clinical pattern: the prescription confusion we see most often
12. When neither medication is the right choice
13. FAQ
14. Sources

The core difference: what each medication actually does

The confusion starts with the names. Bupropion and buspirone sound similar, both start with "bu," and both are generic psychiatric medications. The similarity ends there.

Bupropion (brand names Wellbutrin, Zyban, Aplenzin) is an antidepressant and smoking cessation aid. It increases dopamine and norepinephrine signaling in the brain by blocking their reuptake. The medication is activating, meaning it tends to increase energy and motivation rather than sedate. It is FDA-approved for major depressive disorder, seasonal affective disorder, and smoking cessation. Off-label, it is used for ADHD, sexual dysfunction caused by SSRIs, and weight loss.

Buspirone (brand name BuSpar, now discontinued but generic widely available) is an anxiolytic used exclusively for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). It works by partially activating serotonin 5-HT1A receptors, which modulates anxiety circuits without the sedation, dependence risk, or withdrawal associated with benzodiazepines. It has no antidepressant effect, no role in smoking cessation, and no dopamine activity.

The two medications are prescribed for different conditions, work through different neurotransmitter systems, and have different side effect profiles. A patient prescribed bupropion for depression cannot substitute buspirone. A patient prescribed buspirone for anxiety cannot substitute bupropion.

The mechanism comparison: dopamine/norepinephrine vs serotonin

Bupropion's mechanism:

Bupropion is classified as a norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitor (NDRI). It blocks the dopamine transporter (DAT) and norepinephrine transporter (NET), preventing these neurotransmitters from being reabsorbed into presynaptic neurons. The result is increased dopamine and norepinephrine availability in the synaptic cleft.

The dopamine activity is why bupropion has a mild stimulant-like effect and why it helps with smoking cessation (nicotine also increases dopamine). The norepinephrine activity contributes to its antidepressant effect and is why some patients experience increased energy, focus, and motivation.

Bupropion has essentially no effect on serotonin, which distinguishes it from SSRIs and SNRIs. This is clinically important because it means bupropion does not cause the sexual side effects, weight gain, or emotional blunting common with serotonin-based antidepressants.

Buspirone's mechanism:

Buspirone is a serotonin 5-HT1A receptor partial agonist. It binds to 5-HT1A receptors in the brain, particularly in the raphe nuclei and hippocampus, and partially activates them. This modulates serotonin neurotransmission in a way that reduces anxiety without causing sedation.

The "partial agonist" designation is important. Unlike a full agonist, buspirone does not maximally activate the receptor. Instead, it stabilizes receptor activity at a moderate level. This is why buspirone has anxiolytic effects without the tolerance, dependence, or withdrawal seen with benzodiazepines, which work through GABA receptors.

Buspirone has no meaningful activity at dopamine, norepinephrine, or GABA receptors. It does not produce euphoria, does not have abuse potential, and does not impair cognition or motor function the way benzodiazepines do.

Clinical indications: when each medication is prescribed

Indication	Bupropion	Buspirone
Major depressive disorder	FDA-approved (first-line)	Not effective
Generalized anxiety disorder	Not recommended (can worsen anxiety)	FDA-approved (first-line)
Panic disorder	Not effective	Not effective
Social anxiety disorder	Not effective	Not effective
Smoking cessation	FDA-approved (Zyban formulation)	Not effective
Seasonal affective disorder	FDA-approved (Wellbutrin XL)	Not effective
ADHD (off-label)	Common, modest efficacy	Not effective
SSRI-induced sexual dysfunction (off-label)	Common, effective	Not effective
Weight loss (off-label)	Effective (see section below)	Not effective

The table makes the non-overlap clear. Bupropion is never prescribed for anxiety disorders. Buspirone is never prescribed for depression or smoking cessation.

The one scenario where both medications appear in the same treatment plan is a patient with comorbid depression and anxiety. In that case, a provider might prescribe bupropion for depression and buspirone for anxiety as separate, complementary medications. This is not the same as the medications being interchangeable.

The efficacy data: how well each works for its intended use

Bupropion for depression:

A 2009 meta-analysis by Thase et al. in The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry pooled data from 27 randomized controlled trials (N = 8,241) comparing bupropion to placebo and other antidepressants for major depressive disorder. Key findings:

• Bupropion response rate (50% or greater reduction in depression scores): 62%
• Placebo response rate: 38%
• Number needed to treat (NNT): 4.2
• Remission rate (full symptom resolution): 44% vs 28% placebo

Bupropion performed comparably to SSRIs (sertraline, fluoxetine, escitalopram) in head-to-head trials. The main differentiator was side effect profile, not efficacy. Bupropion caused less sexual dysfunction and less weight gain but more insomnia and agitation.

Bupropion for smoking cessation:

A 2014 Cochrane review (Hughes et al.) analyzed 44 trials (N = 13,728) of bupropion for smoking cessation. Findings:

• Continuous abstinence at 6 months: 19.0% bupropion vs 10.2% placebo
• Risk ratio: 1.62 (95% CI 1.49 to 1.76)
• NNT: 11

Bupropion roughly doubles quit rates compared to placebo and is considered as effective as nicotine replacement therapy. It is less effective than varenicline (Chantix) but better tolerated by some patients.

Buspirone for generalized anxiety disorder:

A 2012 meta-analysis by Chessick et al. in Depression and Anxiety reviewed 8 randomized controlled trials (N = 1,489) of buspirone vs placebo for GAD. Findings:

• Response rate (Hamilton Anxiety Scale reduction of 50% or more): 58% buspirone vs 38% placebo
• Standardized mean difference: 0.38 (95% CI 0.25 to 0.52), indicating moderate effect size
• NNT: 5

Buspirone is effective for GAD but takes longer to work than benzodiazepines (2 to 4 weeks vs 30 to 60 minutes). It is considered a first-line option for patients who need long-term anxiety management without dependence risk.

Buspirone is not effective for panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, or acute anxiety episodes. It is a maintenance medication, not a rescue medication.

Side effect profiles: what to expect from each

Side effect	Bupropion	Buspirone
Insomnia	19% to 31% (dose-dependent)	2% to 5%
Agitation, restlessness	12% to 22%	5% to 12%
Headache	25% to 34%	6% to 10%
Dry mouth	17% to 26%	3% to 5%
Nausea	13% to 18%	8% to 12%
Dizziness	7% to 11%	12% to 18%
Sexual dysfunction	2% to 5% (much lower than SSRIs)	1% to 2%
Weight change	Weight loss (see below)	Weight-neutral
Seizure risk	0.1% at 300 mg/day, 0.4% at 450 mg/day	None
Withdrawal syndrome	Minimal (not a controlled substance)	None

Bupropion-specific warnings:

The most serious risk is seizures. Bupropion lowers the seizure threshold in a dose-dependent manner. The risk is highest in patients with:

• History of seizures or epilepsy
• Eating disorders (anorexia, bulimia), which cause electrolyte imbalances
• Abrupt alcohol or benzodiazepine withdrawal
• Use of other medications that lower seizure threshold

The maximum recommended dose is 450 mg/day, divided into doses no larger than 150 mg for immediate-release or 200 mg for sustained-release formulations. Single doses above these thresholds sharply increase seizure risk.

Bupropion is activating, which means it can worsen anxiety in susceptible patients. About 10% to 15% of patients prescribed bupropion for depression report increased anxiety or agitation, especially during the first 2 to 4 weeks. This is why bupropion is contraindicated in patients with primary anxiety disorders.

Buspirone-specific warnings:

Buspirone has a benign side effect profile. The most common complaint is dizziness, especially during the first week of treatment. This usually resolves with continued use.

Buspirone does not cause sedation, cognitive impairment, or psychomotor slowing. Patients can drive and operate machinery safely. It has no abuse potential and is not a controlled substance.

The main clinical limitation is delayed onset. Buspirone takes 2 to 4 weeks to reach full anxiolytic effect, which makes it unsuitable for acute anxiety management. Patients switching from benzodiazepines to buspirone need to taper the benzodiazepine slowly while the buspirone builds therapeutic effect.

What most articles get wrong about the bupropion-buspirone comparison

Most comparison articles treat bupropion and buspirone as if they are alternative options for the same condition. They are not.

The error stems from oversimplifying psychiatric medication into "antidepressants" and "anti-anxiety medications" without accounting for mechanism. Bupropion is an antidepressant, but it is not a serotonin-based antidepressant. Buspirone is an anxiolytic, but it is not a benzodiazepine or SSRI.

The result is articles that say things like "bupropion is better for depression, buspirone is better for anxiety," which implies the medications are on a spectrum. They are not. A patient with depression and no anxiety would never be prescribed buspirone. A patient with GAD and no depression would never be prescribed bupropion.

The second common error is claiming bupropion "can help with anxiety" because it is sometimes combined with SSRIs in patients with treatment-resistant depression and comorbid anxiety. This conflates combination therapy with monotherapy. Bupropion monotherapy worsens anxiety in most patients. The combination of bupropion plus an SSRI can help depression without worsening anxiety because the SSRI handles the anxiety component.

The third error is overstating the similarity in names as if it implies pharmacological similarity. Bupropion and buspirone are no more similar than metformin and methadone. The names are coincidentally similar, but the molecules, mechanisms, and uses are unrelated.

The weight question: bupropion's unique profile

Bupropion is one of the few psychiatric medications associated with weight loss rather than weight gain. This is clinically significant because most antidepressants (SSRIs, SNRIs, mirtazapine, tricyclics) cause weight gain, which is a major reason patients discontinue treatment.

The weight-loss effect is modest but consistent. A 2012 meta-analysis by Goldfield et al. in Obesity Reviews analyzed weight outcomes across bupropion trials:

• Average weight loss at 24 weeks: 2.7 kg (5.9 lbs) more than placebo
• Percentage of patients losing 5% or more of body weight: 28% bupropion vs 16% placebo
• Effect persists with long-term use (52+ weeks)

The mechanism is not fully understood but likely involves dopamine's role in reward processing and appetite regulation. Bupropion reduces food cravings in a subset of patients, particularly cravings for high-sugar, high-fat foods.

Bupropion is FDA-approved in combination with naltrexone as Contrave for weight management in patients with obesity. The combination produces greater weight loss than bupropion alone (average 4.8 kg at 52 weeks vs placebo in the COR-I trial, Greenway et al., Obesity, 2010).

Buspirone, by contrast, is weight-neutral. It does not cause weight gain or weight loss in clinical trials. This is an advantage over benzodiazepines, which are also weight-neutral, and SSRIs, which cause weight gain.

For patients considering medication for depression who are also concerned about weight, bupropion is often the first-line choice. For patients considering medication for anxiety, weight is not a differentiating factor between buspirone and other options.

Contraindications and warnings: who should not take each medication

Bupropion contraindications:

• Seizure disorder or history of seizures
• Current or prior diagnosis of bulimia or anorexia nervosa
• Abrupt discontinuation of alcohol, benzodiazepines, or barbiturates (seizure risk)
• Use of MAO inhibitors within 14 days (hypertensive crisis risk)
• Hypersensitivity to bupropion

Bupropion warnings and cautions:

• Bipolar disorder: bupropion can trigger manic episodes. Screen for bipolar history before prescribing.
• Hepatic impairment: bupropion is metabolized by the liver. Reduce dose in moderate to severe liver disease.
• Renal impairment: reduce dose in severe kidney disease (GFR below 30).
• Pregnancy: Category C. Animal studies show adverse effects. Use only if benefit outweighs risk.
• Breastfeeding: bupropion and metabolites pass into breast milk. Discuss with provider.

Buspirone contraindications:

• Hypersensitivity to buspirone
• Use of MAO inhibitors within 14 days (risk of hypertensive crisis, though lower than with other serotonergic agents)

Buspirone warnings and cautions:

• Hepatic or renal impairment: reduce dose in moderate to severe liver or kidney disease.
• Pregnancy: Category B. Animal studies show no harm, but human data limited. Generally considered safer than benzodiazepines.
• Breastfeeding: small amounts pass into breast milk. Discuss with provider.

Buspirone has a much shorter contraindication list than bupropion. The absence of seizure risk, abuse potential, and withdrawal syndrome makes it a safer option for patients with complex medical histories or substance use concerns.

The combination question: can you take both together?

Yes. Bupropion and buspirone are sometimes prescribed together for patients with comorbid depression and generalized anxiety disorder. There are no pharmacokinetic interactions between the two medications, and the combination does not increase seizure risk beyond bupropion's baseline risk.

The combination makes sense when:

• A patient has major depressive disorder plus GAD
• Depression is the primary target, but the patient cannot tolerate SSRIs (sexual side effects, weight gain, emotional blunting)
• Anxiety is significant enough to warrant separate treatment

The typical regimen is bupropion XL 150 to 300 mg once daily for depression, plus buspirone 15 to 30 mg twice daily for anxiety. The bupropion is usually started first and titrated to effect. Buspirone is added 2 to 4 weeks later if anxiety persists.

The combination is not first-line for either condition alone. For depression alone, bupropion monotherapy is appropriate. For GAD alone, buspirone monotherapy is appropriate. For comorbid depression and anxiety, an SSRI or SNRI is usually tried first because it addresses both conditions with one medication. The bupropion-buspirone combination is a second-line option for patients who cannot tolerate serotonin-based medications.

Switching between medications: the transition protocol

Switching from bupropion to buspirone (or vice versa) is straightforward because the medications work through different systems and have no cross-taper requirements.

Switching from bupropion to buspirone:

This scenario is uncommon because it implies a change in diagnosis (from depression to anxiety) or a recognition that the wrong medication was prescribed. The protocol:

1. Stop bupropion. No taper is required unless the patient has been on a high dose (450 mg/day) for more than 6 months, in which case a 2-week taper reduces the small risk of rebound depression.
2. Start buspirone at 7.5 mg twice daily on the same day or the next day.
3. Titrate buspirone to 15 mg twice daily after 3 to 7 days if tolerated.
4. Reassess after 4 weeks.

Switching from buspirone to bupropion:

This scenario is more common and usually reflects a diagnostic revision (patient thought to have GAD actually has depression, or GAD was secondary to untreated depression). The protocol:

1. Stop buspirone. No taper is required. Buspirone has no withdrawal syndrome.
2. Start bupropion SR 150 mg once daily in the morning.
3. After 3 to 7 days, increase to 150 mg twice daily (total 300 mg/day) if tolerated.
4. Reassess after 4 to 6 weeks.

If the patient was on a benzodiazepine in addition to buspirone, the benzodiazepine taper must be managed separately and slowly (typically 10% to 25% dose reduction every 1 to 2 weeks). Do not stop a benzodiazepine abruptly when starting bupropion, as this increases seizure risk.

FormBlends clinical pattern: the prescription confusion we see most often

The pattern we see consistently in patient intake forms is confusion between bupropion and buspirone based on name similarity. About 8% to 12% of patients who report a history of "bupropion" or "buspirone" initially misidentify which one they were prescribed.

The confusion usually surfaces during the medication history review. A patient reports "I tried bupropion for anxiety and it made me worse," which is a red flag because bupropion is not prescribed for anxiety. When we ask follow-up questions (brand name, pill appearance, reason for prescription), the patient often realizes they were on buspirone, not bupropion.

The reverse happens less often but still occurs: a patient reports "buspirone for depression," which prompts the same clarification process.

This is not a trivial documentation issue. Misidentifying a prior medication can lead to:

• Prescribing a medication the patient already failed
• Avoiding a medication the patient never actually tried
• Missing a contraindication (for example, if a patient reports "bupropion didn't work" but was actually on buspirone, they may still be a good candidate for actual bupropion)

The fix is simple but requires asking specific questions: "Do you remember the brand name?" "What condition was it prescribed for?" "What did the pill look like?" Most patients can answer at least one of these, which disambiguates the medication.

The broader lesson is that name similarity creates real clinical confusion, not just patient confusion. Pharmacists report similar issues with dispensing errors when handwritten prescriptions are unclear. Electronic prescribing has reduced but not eliminated the problem.

When neither medication is the right choice

When bupropion is not the right choice:

• Primary anxiety disorder (GAD, panic disorder, social anxiety): bupropion worsens anxiety in most patients.
• Acute suicidal ideation: all antidepressants carry a black-box warning for increased suicidal thinking in patients under 25, but bupropion's activating effect can increase agitation and impulsivity in the short term.
• Insomnia as a primary complaint: bupropion worsens sleep in 20% to 30% of patients.
• Seizure history or risk factors: absolute contraindication.
• Eating disorder history: absolute contraindication.

When buspirone is not the right choice:

• Major depressive disorder without anxiety: buspirone has no antidepressant effect.
• Panic disorder: buspirone is not effective for panic attacks.
• Acute anxiety requiring immediate relief: buspirone takes 2 to 4 weeks to work. Benzodiazepines or hydroxyzine are better for acute situations.
• Social anxiety disorder: buspirone is not effective. SSRIs or beta-blockers (for performance anxiety) are preferred.
• Patient preference for as-needed medication: buspirone must be taken daily. It does not work as a PRN anxiolytic.

Alternative options to consider:

For depression:

• SSRIs (sertraline, escitalopram, fluoxetine): first-line for most patients, especially if anxiety is also present
• SNRIs (venlafaxine, duloxetine): effective for depression and anxiety, better for pain comorbidity
• Mirtazapine: good for depression with insomnia and poor appetite
• Tricyclics (nortriptyline, amitriptyline): effective but more side effects, reserved for treatment-resistant cases

For generalized anxiety disorder:

• SSRIs (escitalopram, sertraline): first-line, effective for both anxiety and comorbid depression
• SNRIs (venlafaxine, duloxetine): alternative to SSRIs
• Pregabalin: effective for GAD, faster onset than buspirone
• Hydroxyzine: PRN option for breakthrough anxiety, non-addictive
• Benzodiazepines (lorazepam, clonazepam): effective but dependence risk limits long-term use

The decision tree is straightforward: if the primary diagnosis is depression, bupropion is a reasonable first-line option (especially if weight gain and sexual side effects are concerns). If the primary diagnosis is GAD, buspirone is a reasonable first-line option (especially if the patient wants to avoid benzodiazepines). If both depression and anxiety are present, an SSRI or SNRI usually makes more sense than combining bupropion and buspirone.

FAQ

What is the main difference between bupropion and buspirone?

Bupropion is an antidepressant that works on dopamine and norepinephrine, used for depression and smoking cessation. Buspirone is an anti-anxiety medication that works on serotonin 5-HT1A receptors, used exclusively for generalized anxiety disorder. They treat different conditions and are not interchangeable.

Can I take bupropion and buspirone together?

Yes. The combination is sometimes prescribed for patients with both major depression and generalized anxiety disorder. There are no drug interactions between the two medications. Bupropion addresses depression, and buspirone addresses anxiety.

Which is better for anxiety, bupropion or buspirone?

Buspirone is appropriate for generalized anxiety disorder. Bupropion is not used for anxiety and often worsens anxiety symptoms. If you have an anxiety disorder, buspirone is the correct choice between the two. Bupropion should not be prescribed for anxiety.

Which is better for depression, bupropion or buspirone?

Bupropion is FDA-approved and effective for major depressive disorder. Buspirone has no antidepressant effect and is not used for depression. If you have depression, bupropion is the correct choice between the two.

Does bupropion cause weight gain like other antidepressants?

No. Bupropion is associated with modest weight loss (average 2.7 kg over 24 weeks) rather than weight gain. It is one of the few antidepressants that does not cause weight gain and is sometimes prescribed specifically for patients concerned about weight.

Does buspirone cause weight gain?

No. Buspirone is weight-neutral. It does not cause weight gain or weight loss in clinical trials. This is an advantage over some other psychiatric medications.

How long does it take for bupropion to work?

Most patients notice improvement in energy and motivation within 1 to 2 weeks. Full antidepressant effect typically takes 4 to 6 weeks. For smoking cessation, the medication is usually started 1 week before the quit date.

How long does it take for buspirone to work?

Buspirone takes 2 to 4 weeks to reach full anxiolytic effect. It does not work immediately like benzodiazepines. Patients need to take it daily and wait for therapeutic benefits to build.

Can bupropion cause seizures?

Yes, but the risk is low at recommended doses. Seizure risk is 0.1% at 300 mg/day and 0.4% at 450 mg/day. Risk is higher in patients with seizure history, eating disorders, or during alcohol or benzodiazepine withdrawal. Bupropion is contraindicated in these situations.

Is buspirone addictive?

No. Buspirone has no abuse potential, is not a controlled substance, and does not cause physical dependence or withdrawal. This is a major advantage over benzodiazepines, which carry significant dependence risk.

Can I drink alcohol while taking bupropion or buspirone?

Alcohol should be limited or avoided on bupropion because alcohol lowers the seizure threshold and bupropion already increases seizure risk. Moderate alcohol use is generally safe with buspirone, but alcohol can worsen anxiety and reduce the medication's effectiveness.

Why do bupropion and buspirone have such similar names?

The similarity is coincidental. The names follow different chemical naming conventions and were developed by different pharmaceutical companies (bupropion by Burroughs Wellcome, buspirone by Bristol-Myers Squibb). The overlap has caused frequent confusion among patients and occasional dispensing errors.

Can bupropion help me quit smoking?

Yes. Bupropion is FDA-approved for smoking cessation under the brand name Zyban. It roughly doubles quit rates compared to placebo (19% vs 10% continuous abstinence at 6 months). It is as effective as nicotine replacement therapy and is often combined with nicotine patches.

Will buspirone help with panic attacks?

No. Buspirone is not effective for panic disorder or acute panic attacks. It is used only for generalized anxiety disorder, which involves chronic worry rather than discrete panic episodes. Panic disorder is typically treated with SSRIs or benzodiazepines.

Can I stop bupropion or buspirone suddenly?

Buspirone can be stopped abruptly without withdrawal symptoms. Bupropion can usually be stopped without a taper, but patients on high doses (450 mg/day) for more than 6 months may benefit from a 2-week taper to reduce the small risk of rebound depression. Neither medication causes the withdrawal syndrome seen with SSRIs or benzodiazepines.

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Sources

1. Thase ME et al. Efficacy of bupropion and the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors in the treatment of major depressive disorder with high levels of anxiety (anxious depression): a pooled analysis of 10 studies. Journal of Clinical Psychiatry. 2009.
2. Hughes JR et al. Antidepressants for smoking cessation. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2014.
3. Chessick CA et al. Azapirones for generalized anxiety disorder. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2006.
4. Goldfield GS et al. Bupropion for weight loss: a systematic review. Obesity Reviews. 2012.
5. Greenway FL et al. Effect of naltrexone plus bupropion on weight loss in overweight and obese adults (COR-I): a multicentre, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase 3 trial. Lancet. 2010.
6. Stahl SM et al. Mechanism of action of bupropion: an atypical antidepressant and smoking cessation agent. CNS Spectrums. 2004.
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8. Davidson JR et al. Pharmacotherapy of generalized anxiety disorder. Journal of Clinical Psychiatry. 2001.
9. Foley KF et al. Review of the evidence for the use of bupropion for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in adults. Expert Review of Neurotherapeutics. 2006.
10. Clayton AH et al. Bupropion extended release compared with escitalopram: effects on sexual functioning and antidepressant efficacy in 2 randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies. Journal of Clinical Psychiatry. 2006.
11. Dunner DL et al. A multicentre, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of buspirone in patients with anxious depression. Depression and Anxiety. 1997.
12. Settle EC Jr. Bupropion sustained release: side effect profile. Journal of Clinical Psychiatry. 1998.
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14. Lader M. Can buspirone induce rebound, dependence or abuse? British Journal of Psychiatry. 1991.

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